and just be.
Secluded Umbrian Retreat
4 nights, 27 Sept to 1st Oct ‘23
Imagine being able to drop everything... and just be.
This will be a one-of-a-kind experience in the beautiful Italian countryside. Times of unique quiet, considered activities and practices to gently soften the edges of life and simply pause.
We will leave the city of Florence for the 2 hour drive into the UNESCO protected biosphere of the Umbrian Hills to the magical eco-hotel Eremito, where our group will have exclusive use of the estate.
“Eremito maintains as close as possible the core and the feeling of the ancient hermitages where time stood still.”
During our days we will embrace our natural surroundings, slowing down to an easy tempo, lingering on the moments which bring us joy, and disconnecting from daily stressors.
“The quieter you become, the more you are able to hear.” - Rumi
A safe container will be created for the exploration of self, going deeper into our wants and whys. Sound practices, meditative moments, somatic/restorative movement and breath work will support our individual journeys.
Time will be taken to tune into the body, understanding it’s held stories and finding the practices that help us feel regulated and strong.
Expect to sample true Italian hospitality and ‘la bella vita’ of simple nourishing foods from the organic gardens, drinking from the natural spring, forest bathing and wild swimming at the nearby waterfall.
Eremito
Eremito is an award-winning contemporary hermitage, eco-hotel and retreat center that is a sanctuary for the digital detox experience and a celebration of a simple uncluttered life.
Designed in the spirit of the ancient monasteries of this region, this now non-religious site boasts a beautiful yoga/meditation space overlooking the valley, there is a jacuzzi in their relaxation area and gorgeous common spaces both inside and out.
The 3,000 hectares of natural reserve (Unesco) that surround Eremito and the resulting pure air, deep silence, and dense darkness at night, create the conditions for reconnection to the essential self and for deep transformation, growth, and healing.
Eremito is included in Design Hotels crafted portfolio, recently acclaimed in Architectural Digest and also features on Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List.
The Activities
Soundbaths/Gongbaths & Sound Explorations
Somatic movement practices / Restorative Yoga
Guided Breathwork and Meditation
Facilitated time for self-inquiry through journaling
Nature & Creative Activities
Cacao Ceremony
Open fires and star gazing
Forest bathing
Wild swimming
Eremito’s signature ‘Silent Dinner’
ALL ABILITIES WELCOME - speak to us if you have any concerns
What’s included
ALL RETREAT ACTIVITIES
ACCOMMODATION single occupancy rooms (a couple of shared rooms are available on request) with exclusive use of facilities
ALL MEALS vegetarian and locally sourced
Group Transfers from/to Florence
Gifts from your facilitators ;)
What’s not included
Flights & Travel Insurance
Taxi transfers outside of group
121 treatments/massages
Tips for hotel/transport staff
Your facilitators
George and Almira are The Sound Shift - hosting weekly classes, deeper monthly events and offering 1:1 sound therapies in London. They have a contemporary approach to the practices they share, while honouring ancient wisdom and traditions of the past.
They have been on a path of self-development and spiritual practice for the past 20+ years. With both certified Sound Practitioners, and between them holding qualifications in Meditation, Mantra, Coaching, Ceremonial Cacao Facilitation & Breathwork.
This work has all been woven into their lives alongside raising a family, running businesses and dream chasing.
Almira is also experienced in event and project management for large corporate groups (having organised international trips of 50+ people to places such as Milan, Las Vegas and Los Angeles), as well as co-hosting a few boutique women's retreats in the UK.
Your facilitators cont’d
Dominique is a qualified Movement Psychotherapist, Pilates teacher and Yoga instructor.
She currently has a small private practice in her home studio in North London. Bringing her knowledge from Movement Psychotherapy into the Pilates space, Dominique has developed a highly specialised practice that integrates embodied psychotherapeutic perspectives into movement work.
Her research interests at present include using somatic arts interventions for chronic pain and exploring how polyvagal theory can offer a compassionate model to better understand our movement patterns. She has lectured at University level and continues to work alongside other health professionals to deliver holistic programmes of care for a range of clients.
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Each movement session during the retreat will be tailored for all abilities, to meet your body where it’s at. Exploring a relationship of sound and movement, mind and body.
Testimonials (Morocco ‘22)
“If you are thinking about doing anything with Almira and George; whether a southbath, 121s, a retreat, anything; SAY YES! Anything they touch turns to gold - what an incredible retreat in Morocco with a beautiful group of people! THANK YOU” - Killian, South London
“Wow!!! What an amazing adventure! I loved this trip and I deeply appreciated all elements, the sound, the movement from Dom and the instruction from George. The size of the group I felt was just right and the mix of people were perfect. Going to the Sahara was mind blowing and very grounding and soul affirming. Thank you so much for curating such a wonderful experience I will carry with me for a long time." - Michelle, Tunbridge Wells
“I loved this experience and all the people that came with us were so interesting, diverse and curious, creating and holding an amazing safe and nourishing space together!” - Didi, London
Overview
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Meet Florence
Wednesday 27th Sept - meet at a location in Florence for transfer to our venue in Umbria
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Thurs 28th Sept -
(Sample Itinerary)
Morning Breathwork & Movement - Breakfast - Outdoor Activities - 4 course lunch - Afternoon Workshop - Silent Dinner - Fireside - Evening Soundbath
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Friday 29th Sept (FULL MOON) -
(Sample Itinerary)
Morning Breathwork & Movement - Breakfast - Outdoor Activities - 4 course lunch - Afternoon Workshop - Silent Dinner - Fireside - Evening Soundbath
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Saturday 30th Sept -
(Sample Itinerary)
Morning Breathwork & Movement - Breakfast - Outdoor Activities - 4 course lunch - Afternoon Workshop - Silent Dinner - Fireside - Evening Soundbath
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Sunday 1st Oct -
Morning connection - depart for Florence
Transportation Info
Transport from Florence to Eremito and return included.
Arrange your flight into Florence (or Pisa) - taxi to our meeting point in Florence, or if you want to arrive a day earlier we can recommend accomodation.
Accommodation Info
All accommodation will be single occupancy (unless requested otherwise) with en-suite bathroom facilities.
Although the basic comforts are in the room, you will not find a telephone, TV or wi-fi connection. Instead you will find a comfortable desk made of stone by the window where you can be inspired while admiring the green valley. Wi-fi is available in the main area of the hotel only.
“Taking a moment to figure out how you really feel instead of letting old patterns decide for you is one of the most authentic things you can do” - Yung Pueblo
The Investment
£1650*
(or £412.50 a month)*
Price Includes: A truly unique experience… 4 nights/5 days at 4-star Eremito eco-hotel with exclusive access to all facilities - breakfast, 4 course lunch and dinner provided daily - full program of retreat activities and workshops - welcome pack - transfers from and to Florence
Limited Availability: Discounts available for those requesting shared rooms
Payment Plans: Pay in 3 available when checking out via PayPal or flexible plans available on request. Contact us to discuss
*subject to terms and conditions
Contact us if you have any questions or queries regarding the retreat or payment options at thesoundshift@gmail.com
Retreat Terms and Conditions can be found HERE
